Knitting machine



Nov. 28, 1939.

Filed Sept. 19/ 1936 H. MCADAMS KNITTING MACHINE 16 Sheets-Sheet 1 figl. 7/

a I /l/ j Harry M 'Adams ATTORNEYS. v

I ,Nov. 28, 1939.

H. Mc DAMs 2,181,679

KNITTING mar-11 Filed Sept. 19, 1936 1 5, Sheet s-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

Hal-T M AdamS ATTORNEYS.

Novf28, 1939. 1 H. MQADAMS 2,181,679

KNITTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 19, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR- HJEEEB M Adams ATTORNEYS.

Nov. 28, 1939. H. McADAMS KNITTINGMACHINE Filed Sept. i9, 195s ls'he'eis-sneet 1 w W A W W Nov. 28, 1939.

KNITTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 19, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet 10 JTE- IE- m in uff nee/ls IN V NTOR.

Har rg M AdELmE BYMIMYZq A'ITORN EYS.

H. McADAMS 79 Nov. 28, 1939,

H. MQADAMS KNITTING MACHINE Filed; Sept. 19. 1935 16 sheets-sheet 1'1 M 'Adams ATTORNEYS.

Nov. 28, 1939. H; M I 2.181.679

KNITTING momma Filed Spt. ,19, 1936 16 Sheets-Shst 12 I INVENI'TOR. 5 Hal-T ams Nov.28,1939.

H. MADAMS KNITTING MACHINE 16 Sheets-Sheet 15 Filed Sept. 19. 1936 INVENTCR.

HafP MC-Ad ams Nov. 28, 1939.

H. M ADAMS KNITTING MACHINE Filed Sepg. 19, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet 16 INVENTOR.

v MBAdams M .ATTORN EYS.

Patented Nov. 28, 1939 Harry McAdams,

Nolde and Horst corporation Reading, Pa., assignor The Company, Reading, Pa., a

Application September 19, 1936, Serial No. 10l,659

15 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in knitting machines adapted for the knitting of continuous strings of stockings or other tubular work wherein the character of knitting is changed at I difl'erent sections throughout the stocking or other article being knitted.

-The primary object of the invention is the. provision of an improved knitting machine whereon seamless knitted fabric,- such as stockings,

may be continuously knitted in an efiicient and economical manner, and which machine incorporates the automatic transferring of stitch loops of the fabric between the various sets of needles of the machine for the purpose of varying the character of knitting throughout the article.

- A further object of this invention is the provision of an'improved knitting'machine of the general type set forth in my application Serial No. 755,621, now Patent No. 2,164,337, but embodying improvements thereover. A further object of the invention is the provision of an improved method for the knitting of continuous strings of stockings or like tubular articles. V

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the follow-. ing detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification and wherein similar rate!- 30 ence characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of knitting machine.

Figure. 2 is a side 'machine.

, Figure 2' isa fragmentary view of a yarn tensioning release mechanism.

Figure 3 is'a vertical sectional view taken through the cylinder and dial of theimproved ltrhnittintg machine, showing ted details the improved elevation of the improved v Figure 4 is a fragmentary side elevation of s string of stockings such as may be produced upon the improved machine; the same showing a complete stocking with integrally'connected and knitted portions of otherv stocking blanks at the ends thereof.v I r v Figure 5 is a fragmentary side elevation. of a string of the stockings, showing how they are tensioned upon the knitting machine during the knittingprocess. J

,ngure 6 is a developed plan view'showing the Ci operative needle actionv upon the improved knitting machine and the association of com details as positioned .for double feed This I particular view shows cooperative needle action for the knitting of one and one rib.

Figure I is a developed plane view showing the cylinder needle and jack arrangement during the transfer of stitch loops from the dial needles 5 to the cylinder needles.

Figure 8 is a developed plane view showing the cooperative positioning of the cylinder needles, jacks, dial needles and transfer members for the transferring of stitch loops from certain cylinder needles to complementary dial needles.

Figure 9 is a planvview of an improved dial cap of-the knitting machine, showing the associated cam control plungers and other parts.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the improved dial cap.

Figure 11 is a bottom plan view showing the cam groove arrangement of the dial cap and the association of selector cam details for the control of dial needles and transfer bits associated therewith. Figure 12 is a cross sectional view taken transversely through the dial cap just above the grooved dial cap plate and looking downwardly.

Figure 13 is an enlarged plan view of the slotted dial bed showing therein the associated relatioh of dial needles, transfer bits and improved dial needle jacks; the parts being arranged for the knitting.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary plan view of a typical portion of the slotted, needle bed of the dialshowing the dial needle, Jack and transfer bit guiding ribs, projections and slots.

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic representation of 5 the butt arrangement upon theimproved dial knitting of the selvage and plain needle jacks. relative to two groups of dial needle selector cams which may 'be selectively operated to independently actuate desired dial needles.

Figure 15 is. a-yertical sectional view taken 40 through the improved dial, showing the relation therein of dial needl ,transfer bits and needle actuated jacks in relation to groups of l8isa viewshowingthemannerin which certain dial needles are jack actuated by camsintoyarnreceivlng and latch shedding posi- Figure 1e- 1'. a perspective view showing a typical group of dial needles and complementary transfer bits; the view incorporating certain needle jacks which are used in predetermined groups of the dial needles throughout the needle set. and which are used during the knitting of English rib sectionsin the stocking; this view 5 showing the arrangement in the long butt needle series.

Figure 16 is a similar perspective view of dial needles, transfer bits and needle Jacks in the short butt needle series.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of certain parts of the dial adapted more particularly to cooperate in camming and guiding the dial needle Jacks.

Figure'lB is a fragmentary plan view taken through the upper portion of the knitting machine, above the dial cap, and more particularly showing the lever arrangement for actuating the cam and other details of the dial; the view also showing the auxiliary yarn feed and binder and cutter therefor.

Figure 19 is a fragmentary view of the sinker ring, showing a sinkerarrangement of the improved machine in relation to cylinder needles and transfer members for the shifting of cylinder needles stitch onto dial needles.

Figure 20 isa fragmentary sectional view showing the locking mechanism for the auxiliary feed Figures 21 and 22 show an improved cam arrangement for the shifting of the dial bed in varying degree, for the purpose of changing the relation of the dial needles with respect to the cylinder needles as is necessary during the transfer of stitches between the needle sets.

Figure 23- is a vertical sectional view taken through the dial bed shifting means, substantially on the line 23-23 of Figure 21.

Figure 24 is a detailed view of the cam arrangement for actuating the cylinder transfer .bits or members.;

Figure 25 is a transverse sectional view taken through the cam of Figure 24, substantially on the line 25-25 of Figure 24. 4

Figure 26 shows in side elevation a typical series of jacks used under the long butt cylinder needles.

Figure 27 shows in side elevation a typical series of jacks asused-under the short butt cylinder needles.

Figures 28 and 29 are respectively developed views of the upper and lower pattern drums of the machine, showing more particularly the cam or lug arrangement thereon for the actuation of various details of the machine.

Figure 30 is a fragmentary developed view of certain pattern drums used on the machine.

Figures 31 to 36 inclusive show the progressive positions of-cylinder and dial needles and a dial 55 transfer bit for the transferring of a dial needle stitch to a cylinder needle.

Figure 3'7 is a plan 'viewshowing the relation of dial and cylinder needles, and a transfer bit.

Figures .38 to 43 inclusive show the progressive position of a cylinder needle, a dial needle, and a cylinder needle stitch transfer member for the transferring of a stitch loop from a cylinder needle to a dial needle. 7 Figures 44 and 45 are respectively front elevations showing the relationship of a cylinder needle, dial needle, and transfer member; Figure 44 showing the transfer member in normal relation with respect to the cylinder needle, and Figure 45 showing it spread for opening the stitch loop and permitting the dial needle to enter the stitch loop more emciently.

In the drawings, whereinfor the purpose of illustration is shown but a preferred embodiment of the improved knitting machine, the letter A may generally designate the machine. at includes a frame B; cylinder 0; dial D; dial and cylinder driving mechanism E, and a take-up F for tensioning and holding taut the string of stockings or fabric G produced upon the machine.

Generally the machine frame B includes a supporting bed whereon the cylinder 0 is rotatably mounted. The operating parts of the machine, that is, so far as the drive of the cylinder and dial are concerned; the reciprocation thereof; the control of the stitch cams at the main knitting wave; the operation of narrowing and widening picks; the control of the yarn feeds at the main stitch cams, and many other features conventional to the Banner type of knitting machine are substantially identical to that disclosed in United States Patent No. 933,443, and such conventional operating, patterning, and control parts have not been detailed herewith, since they are conventionally understood in the art. Thus, the cylinder C is driven off of a main shaft 5| shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, whereon are positioned the usualgears and clutching mechanism to enablefull rotary drive of the cylinder and dial, the inoperative positioning thereof, or the reciprocatory action of the same such as is necessary during knitting of the toe and heel pocketsof a stocking. All of this mechanism is amply disclosed in the above identified Hemphill Patent No.' 933,443. This gearing includes a gear 52 meshing with the gear 53 keyed to the cylinder, in the relation shown in F1 e 3 of the drawings. The conventional 10 gear is shown at 53 in Figure 2 of the drawings, whereon may be positioned suitable lugs or mechanism for intermittently advancing the pattern control drums 5'4 and 55, hereinafter known 'as the upper and lower control drums. The arrangement for the intermittent control and operation is substantially identical with that described in my United States Patent No. 1,995,995, andneed notherein' be described in detail. i As shown in Figure l of the drawings the machine also includes the usual pattern shaft 55 on which speed and yarn changing cams, etc., are secured or mounted. It is of the type which makes one complete revolution during the production of each stocking or piece of knitted work, in accordance with the teaching in the above identified United States Patent No. 933,443. It has geared thereto an endless pattern chain 56 of conventional nature. The main yarn selecting and changing device has a drum 51 keyed to the cam shaft 55 provided with suitable cam lugs. Means 58 in the nature of wires, levers, etc. are provided for operating the yarn feed fingers 59, 66, and 6|, at the main feed of the machine, all of which yarn finger operation and devices for control thereof is described in detail in said United States Patent No. 933,443.

This cam shaft also has attached thereto a small pattern drum 66 whereon are positioned certain of the part controlling cams of the present invention, as will be subsequently described.

The machine includes the conventional main cam block 6|, shown in Figures 1, 6, 7 and 8"of the drawings, which has the usual raise and draw cams 62; the central cam 63 and the narrowing picks 64, all of which a eoperated in the usual manner, such as set folh in PatentNo. 933.443 and need not herein be'further detailed. There are also provided widening picks 65 also operated as described in said Patent 'No. 933,443. The usual Banner type mechanism for controlling the picks and needles and reciprocating the cylinder for the knitting of thetoe and heel pockets, or other parts of the stocking are substantially idenslots. At its upper end it has the usual sinker bed ring 88 whereon the sinkers 81 are mounted for radial sliding in the usual web holding manner. They are of course controlled by cam means on the sinker cap 68, in conventional manner.

The dial and latch needles are of the independ ent type. The latch ring 89 is pivotallv supported in the usual manner at 69. It has framework 10 mounted thereon for rotatably supporting the dial mechanism. In addition the latch ring supports the auxiliary yarn feed mechanism II; the auxiliary yarn feed binder and cutter mechanism I2 and the leverage mechanism for operating the various cams on the dial (see Figure 18) The needles of the cylinder and dial are of the pivotedlatch type. The cylinder needle set designated at H in the drawings is divisible into long butt needles l3 and short butt needles '14. A set K of jacks cooperates with the cylinder needles for enabling the needles of the machine to knit rib, plain, variable rib and plain work, and for continuously knitting stockings and transferring stitch loops from dial needles to cylinder needles, and vice versa.

As shown in Figure 13 of the drawings the dial has associated therewith a set L of dial needles which consists of long butt needles 15, short butt needles I8, and needles "I'I having butts of intermediate length. The medium butt needles 11 are scattered in groups throughout both the long and short butt series and they have associated therewith jacks I9 at the rear ends thereof,

- which are cam operated in a unique manner to provide for independent selection of the said medium length butt dial needles. Of course this principle of independent control of jacks need not be limited to the medium length needles, or to only a predetermined number of the needles, since the use of the improved-selector means is generally adapted to all of the needles of the dial, however arranged.

Associated with the set L of the dial needles is a set of dial needlebits 'M. These bits or implements cooperate'with the dial needles in properiy podtioning the stitch loops on the dial needles for transfer to predetermined cylinder needles. These features have generally been describedin my above identified co-pending application Serial No. 755,621.

There are also provided in the cylinder set of needles cooperating transfer bits or implements P which enable the stitch loops of fabric hung on cylinder needlw to be properly transferred to predetermined dial needles.

The dial D includes-the radial slotted and rotatable needle supporting bed 88, best shown in detail in'Figures 13, 13" and 16 of the drawings, and the stationary camplate 8| whichls associated therewith. The dial mechanism is supported by the frame 18 on the latch. ring 88. The frame 18 rotatably supports the vertical dial drlveshaftflandofcoursethedialbedis 'keyedtothisshaftfl as.shownat88inFigure 3ofthedrawin88. Theshaft 82isaxially disposedwithrespecttothecylindercandhasa vertical adiustment through, the supporting nut 88 mountedabove the frame 18. The'mechanism for driving the dial bed is substantially identical with that described in my co-pending application Serial No. 755,621 and consists of a shaft 88 geared at 81 to the cylinder gear 88. The shaft 88 atits upper end is provided angular shift mechanism N, shown in detail in Figures 21, 22 and 23 of the drawings, which in turn supports a bevel gear 88meshing with a bevel gear 89. ,The latter is on a horizontal shaft 98 supported by the frame 18 and is geared at 9| with the shaft 82, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. The dial shift mechanism N will be subsequently described in connection with the specific purpose which it serves. noted that the gear 89 lifts off .of the gear 88 when the latch ring 69 is moved backward upon its pivot 69'. The latch ring is supported at the front of the machine upon a frame bracket 98, shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings and to which the latch ring may be latched at 98, as shown in Figure 2. v

The take-up mechanism F is generally the same as shown in my United States Patent No. 1,991,563, and further detailed and described in my co-pending application Serial No. 755,621. In fact the nature of the take-up of the present invention is identical with the take-up described in my said application Serial No. 755,621, except as herein specifically modified. It includesa supporting frame 95 detachably mounted upon the lower end of the machine frame 3. It has a revoluble frame 96 provided with rollers 91 between which the stocking or other article being knitted is clamped in order to. provide tension thereon. The rollers 91 are driven in the same manner as set forth in my Patent No. 1,991,563. A clutch is included in the driving mechanism which is thrown out when the pull upon the fabric being knitted is such as'to raise the frame 96, or when said frame 96 is mechanically raised by means to be subsequently described.

The means for driving the frame 98 of the take-up mechanism consists of an extension to the shaft 88. It has suitable gearing at its lower end meshing with the gearing of thetake-up mechanism.

The take-up mechanism cludes a circular track 98, whlch has been described in my co-pending application Serial No. 755,621, and which is not shown to any great extent in the present application, but which is vertically movable with respect to the frame 85. The revolving frame 98 has rollers 89 which rest upon the circular track 98 and ride thereabout. During various operations, such as when knitting the heel and toe, and in some cases where plain knitting is resorted to, it is necessary to throw the take-up mechanism out of action so that it will not pull upon the fabric. Means to throw the take-up out of operation consists of supporting pins or posts I88 fixed at their upper ends in the track 98. These pins are reciprocal through suitable openings in the frame 85 and are moved by means of a lever I8l pivoted at I82 on the frame of the machine. The free moving end of the lever 18! is connected at I82 with an operating leverage I88 which is actuated ofl of lugs upon the small pattern'control drum 88, for the purpose of lifting. the ring track 88 and throwing the clutch out of action to prevent the take-- up rollers from tensioning the fabric during the knitting ofthe heel and toe, that is, when the,

Itistobe F furthermore inwith a dial bed opposite end has a connecting leverage I88 ex- 15 tending to and operating oil of certain lugs on "the upper pattern drum 54.

- The string of stockings shown in Figures 4 and 5-is continuously produced upon the machine 5 without the necessity of the operator stopping the machine to transfer rib tops to the machine.

In the present machine the stockings are preferably knitted commencing with the welt top, but of course the features of the invention are adapt- 39 able to a machine which commences the knitting of the stocking at the toe. In the example shown the stocking string includes a welt "I, preferably a French welt; a one and one rib top I; a leg I09 which may be either plain knitted or w combination of plain and rib knitting. Thus, it is possible upon the machine to knit the leg of one and one rib; two and one rib; or any other desired rib arrangement conventionally known as English rib. In the example shown the stocking is preferably known as seven and three rib, but of course the machine is adaptable for any wale rib and plain proportioning. The stocking furthermore includes a heel pocket IIli; instep III preferably knitted the same as the leg I09; zssole II2; ring toe H3; toe pocket IIl;-loopers round H5, and a selvage II6. Sections III and H8 respectively designating ravel and slack por-.

- tions are knitted between the toev of one stocking and the top of the next stocking. 3 sections provide a marker between the stockings due to the slackness. Partial unraveling in the section III, a's'shown in Figure enables the pull of the take-up mechanism upon the stocking just knitted to preserve an even circumferential tension upon the needles of the machine so that a tightly knitted and elastic welt and rib top may be provided in the next stocking.

Referring to the means for transferring the stitch loops from dial needles to cylinder nee- 40 dies, as is necessary when either altering the style of rib knitting or going from rib knitting to plain knitting, Figures 13 to 17 inclusive and 31 to 3'1- inclusive designate the mechanism and steps in the method of effecting such transfer. 45 In the dial there is provided a transfer bit or implement for each dial needle, although the arrangement is purely optional. As is shown a in Figure 11 a dial cap is'provided with grooves and cams for actuating both the dial needles 50 and transfer implements. The inner groove 8 in the dial cap receives the butts of the transfer implements and determines the path of travel of said implements, and the outer groove I20 receives the dial needle butts and determines 55 the path of travel of said dial needles. The

bits M are of special construction.- a Each of them includes a body portion I 2I relatively deeper than the body portion of the cooperating dial needle,-as is indicated in various figures 60 of the drawings, so that the lower marginal portion of said body portion of the bits may ride in slots I21! provided individually therefor in the dial bed, as shown in Figure 13. This stabilizes and determines the path of movement :5 of the dial bits. It is only the rear lower portions of the bits which ride in these slots; leaving the fore ends of the bits free to flex laterally and enable the dial needles and their bits to retract with respect to the complementary cylinder needles which are elevated to receive the stitches to be transferred from the dial needles to the cylinder needles, as is indicated in Figures. 31 to 36 inclusive. The bits M at their fore ends are laterally curved or offset at I23 to 75 provide an opening facing the complementary These dial needle and through whichthe complementary stitch receive cylinder needle slips, as indicated in Figures 31 and 36 inclusive. These oiiset portions I23 are reduced in height by rece'ssing the ,lower porflons thereof, where the 5 cylinder needle enters the opening, as shown at I in the drawings, so as to cooperate, with the cylinder needle in permitting proper play of the'parts and to efliciently transfer the stitch. The portion I24-of the transfer bit just 10 rearwardly of this ofiset eye I23 has the lower edge thereof on the same level as the lower edge of the dial needle, or substantially at that level. The extreme fore and of each bit is provided witha lip I25 which extends beneath the 15 lower edge of the dial needle and upon which the latter rests; the dial bottom being cut away to enable the said lip to fit in such position. This lip enters the stitch to be transferred from the dial needle to the cylinder needle in w order to properly receive and hold said stitch. 'Inanormalribknittingmachinewhereon it is intended to produce in automatic fashion a one and one rib top and a plain knitted leg,

' there would usually be employed one half as many dial needles as cylinder needles and in an alternating relation therewith, as can readily be understood by one skilled in the art. However, with the present machine it is intended to produce an English rib effect with a considerable number of adjacent wale lines in the leg of the stocking knittedof plain knitting upon the, cylinder and intermediate these groups producing rib knitting upon two or more adjacent wale lines. In order to knit an English rib it is therefore: necessary in the dial to closely position those dial needles and the respecidve cooperating tra.ns-' fer bits which are used during such knitting. To that end medium butt dial needles and the 40 complementary transfer hits M associated therewith are provided in groups which are disposed inasingleradialgrooveorrecessinthedial bed, and these groups comprise any desired number of dial needles, to suit the style of English 5 .ribto be knitted in the leg of the stocking. In

the present instance seven and three rib is to be'knitted in the leg, and therefore each of such groups comprises three medium butt dial needles TI and three transfer bits M, all of which are placed in the same dial bed groove. The transfer bits have their individual slots I 23' to maintain the position thereof, and these groups 'of medium length butt dial needles are separated from the adjacent long and short butt dial needles and their transfer-bits by radial walls I26, as shown in Figure 13'. In each radial groove wherein three medium butt dial needles are disposed with their transfer butts there are provided radial lugs I21 near the m other.

For the purpose of stabilizing the relation of the transfer bits M and the dial needles, lugs I28 are provided in alignment with the bodies of the transfer bits M which are disposed in the individual dial needle slots in the bed, as shown in Figure 13, and which lugs I28 iii; in the offset eyes of-the transfer bits M.

As before mentioned all of the needle butts travel in the dial cap groove I20, and the transfer implement butts travel .in the groove 9. As shown in Figure 16 and Figures 31 to 36 inclusive certain filler pieces I2 are soldered 

